Ersan Ilyasova, Bucks close to deal

"We are engaged in free-agent negotiations with Ersan Ilyasova," Bucks general manager John Hammond said in a statement released Sunday night. "We intend to enter into a player contract with Ersan once the moratorium period has ended."

Ilyasova's agent, Tolga Tugsavul, told basketball website HoopsHype.com that the four-year veteran is on the verge of agreeing to a five-year deal worth $45 million.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Ilyasova had a breakout season for Milwaukee in 2011-12, averaging 13 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He played in 60 games and made 41 starts last season.

The 25-year-old native of Turkey has played four seasons with
the Bucks, with career averages of 9.7 points and six rebounds per
game.

He is set to join what is suddenly a crowded Bucks frontcourt. Milwaukee
recently made a trade with the Houston Rockets to acquire veteran
center Samuel Dalembert, then took North Carolina power forwardJohn Henson with the No. 14 pick in the NBA draft.

The addition of Dalembert likely means Drew Gooden will move
back to power forward after playing out of position as a center
last season, and several other forwards are likely to figure in the
Bucks' rotation next season.

Milwaukee went 31-35 last season, finishing third in the Central
Division and missing the playoffs. Hammond and coach Scott Skiles will return next season, but both are entering
the final year of their contracts with the team.